Pinelands Conservation Intern (VSU)

Join TNC Virginia as a STEP Intern!

The goal of STEP is to create pathways for people seeking to gain experience with a conservation focused organization. We currently offer paid internships in a range of disciplines across our Virginia Team. With a focus on recruiting and developing a diverse staff, we strive to create an environment where people of all backgrounds feel welcomed to participate in conservation. Wherever you are in your educational journey; community college, technical school, four-year program, or graduate school, STEP may have an opportunity for you to consider.

All STEP interns will receive an orientation, professional development webinars, and chances to visit TNC sites. Along the way, interns will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with Nature Conservancy staff and partners. At the end of their internship, STEP interns will give a short presentation about their time at TNC to the Virginia staff.

Position Overview

TNC is looking for an intern interested in gaining hands‑on experience in natural resource management at Piney Grove Preserve. The intern will work alongside TNC staff, collecting ecological data to inform our forest management projects. Throughout the 10‑week program, the intern will learn about forest stewardship, ecological restoration, prescribed fire management, invasive species control and public use of conserved lands. The intern will also have access to various training opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with field data collection at Piney Grove Preserve and training on iPad applications (Survey123).
• Assisting with vegetation monitoring, tree coring, and seed collection.
• Using ArcPRO software to assemble field data and create maps for staff use.
• Assisting the Pinelands Team with other land protection and management tasks.

Qualifications

• Current Virginia State University student.
• Genuine interest in a conservation career.
• Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather and physically challenging conditions.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience learning new procedures and following instructions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.

Schedule

150 hours total, part‑time between August and December. Specific schedules will be determined upon hiring.

Pay

$18.25 per hour (USA only).

Location

Hybrid schedule: time split between Piney Grove Preserve and a TNC office or remote work. Ideally, the intern will be available for one day of field work per week.

Benefits

TNC offers a comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8 % employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program and other well‑being benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Nature Conservancy is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive organization and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, races, colors, religions, sexes, national origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. Successful applicants must meet the requirements of the background screening process. TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process.